Once a vibrant haven for over 300 species of birds, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary now echoes with unsettling silence. Located on the fringes of Delhi-NCR, this critical wetland has witnessed a sharp decline in bird populations, signalling more than just the loss of chirping sounds - it's a collapse in ecological balance.

Pollution from the Yamuna, unregulated construction, habitat fragmentation, and growing noise disturbances have all contributed to this decline. Migratory birds that once flew thousands of kilometres to nest here now skip the stop altogether. This disruption affects pollination, pest control, seed dispersion - processes essential for urban biodiversity and human well-being.

Okhla is more than a birdwatcher’s paradise; it's a barometer of urban ecological health. Its deterioration reflects the larger crisis of unchecked urbanisation and our disconnect from nature. If cities continue to neglect these natural ecosystems, the fallout will reach far beyond sanctuary borders - affecting air, water, and the very livability of urban spaces.